January 24, 2012

Nitin Gadkari projects Narendra Modi as PM

While BJP is trying its best to gain the power in five poll-bound states, party President Nitin Gadkari hinted at the prime ministerial candidate for the forthcoming elections backing Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Gadkari dismissed the speculation that he ever wants to be a candidate for the top post. Rather, he favoured Modi promising to back him as the next party President and PM candidate.

Gadkari's term as the BJP chief will come to an end in December this year. He said that he will not extend his tenure and will prefer to work as an ordinary party worker. He hinted that he will support Narendra Modi as PM candidate.

Replying to media who will be the PM candidate for the forthcoming general elections, Gadkari said that the party will decide the post for PM at appropriate time. As far as Modi is concerned, he has very good potential to be both BJP President and PM, he added.

The saffron party chief defended fielding firebrand Uma Bharti for elections in Uttar Pradesh. He said that Uma is a natinal leader and head been in frontline in the state for many campaigns and issues including the Ram Janambhhopmi movement. Questing on the nationality of Congress President Sonia Gandhi, he said if a woman from Italy can contest the polls in Amethi, question should not arise on Uma's participation in elections.

The party faced criticism when Uma was announced to contest the polls in UP being an outsider CM of Madhya Pradesh. Gadkari also defended the induction of tainted BSP leader Babu Singh Kushwaha into the party saying no FIR was lodged against him and he was not given ticket to contest the polls too. He made it clear that the decision to induct him in the party was taken after consulting national and state party leaders.

However, no senior party leaders like L K Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley had officially protested against the decision, he said.

Deepak Bhatt is a communication, media engagement and publications professional. Currently he manages communication at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), one of Asia’s finest B-schools. Before that, he was Vice President (Gujarat Operations), BW Businessworld magazine, one of India’s leading business magazines.

Current Role: At the IIMA, Deepak

1. designs and implements the external and internal communication strategies

2. contributes his expertise to building an agile, pro-active communication team and its systems

3. guides the online engagement and global outreach program

Key Qualities:

Deepak is a go-getter, someone who brings about significant impact in businesses processes and outcomes. He creates sustainable value and efficient systems wherever he works. His ability to think clearly and come up with actionable ideas has hugely contributed to his work practice.

Recognitions and Awards:

a. “Best Employee of the Month” at BW Businessworld Group

b. “Leadership Award in Project Management” by CE Worldwide

Before his current role at the IIMA, Deepak was Vice President (Gujarat Operations), BW Businessworld magazine, one of India’s leading business magazines. He spearheaded the magazine’s growth and reinforced its presence in the region during his tenure.

Earlier, Deepak acted as a Strategic Management Consultant. His transformational insights, research-based strategies and leadership qualities have made him a well-respected professional.